San Marcos Unified superintendent spotlights custodian Zenos Reese III

Superintendent Andy Johnson visited San Alejo Middle School to feature Zenos Reese III in a Superintendent Spotlight, praising Reese’s 35 years with San Marcos Unified and his daily work supporting students and staff.

Reese, who identified himself as the head custodian at Chandler Hill Middle School, said he has worked 35 years in the district, including 13 years in middle schools and 11 years as a head custodian. “The kids,” Reese said when asked the most exciting part of his day. He described watching students arrive from elementary schools, grow during middle school and move on to high school.

Reese said he starts his day about 5:30 a.m. and helps maintain a campus he described as serving about 1,400 students. He described daily duties that go beyond cleaning: talking with students, guiding them and helping new employees learn the job. “I’m out here trying to talk to them and and kinda guide them. And I just try to guide them,” Reese said.

Johnson noted Reese’s energy and long service during the short interview. Reese said the pandemic changed student communication patterns: “They don’t seem to communicate with 1 another very well. Mhmm.” He also said his staff and the students are what he will miss most when he retires: “My smile,” he added when asked what he hopes people remember about him.

Reese described mentoring a newly hired colleague who asked him questions about the work and encouraged new employees to seek guidance. He credited San Marcos Unified as a good place to work and said employees have been supportive.

The Superintendent Spotlight closed with Johnson thanking Reese for his years of service and saying the series will continue.